Atlanta Gladiators
The Atlanta Gladiators would make an attractive option for the Hurricanes to pursue as an ECHL affiliate. Whereas the Everblades have made the playoffs 20 out of 21 seasons, the Gladiators have made the playoffs 9 out of the past 16 seasons.
The Gladiators aren’t quite as elite as the Everblades; they were swept in the first round of the ECHL playoffs by none other than the Everblades during the 2017-18 season. However, Atlanta still remains, to me, a solid option to explore for affiliation due to the proximity to both Charlotte and Raleigh.
The Gladiators have a solid roster that could benefit greatly from the help of the Hurricanes’ prospects Callum Booth and Jeremy Helvig that would draw into their lineup from the Everblades roster.
Atlanta does have its faults, however. Not only has the team struggled advancing past the first round of the ECHL playoffs, it has struggled to find consistent success in years past, missing the playoffs five out of the past six years. Atlanta is currently affiliated with the Boston Bruins, and thus remains the least attractive option of the three listed.